Foot covering



Nov. 8, 1960 FOOT COVERING Filed Feb. 3, 1958 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 ea I I Ursula 52 1 BY. v

wag $2M AGENT u. E. ABEL 2,958,964

Nov. 8, 1960 u. E. ABEL 2,958,964

FOOT COVERING Filed Feb. 3, 1958 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 I2 86 40 INVENTOR.

Ursula 5'. Abel AGENT United States Patent FOOT COVERING Ursula E. Abel, 902 W. Roma Ave., Phoenix, Ariz. Filed Feb. 3, 1958, Ser. No. 712,743

6 Claims. (Cl. 36-10) This invention relates to a foot covering and more particularly to an improved foot covering of the brief type which is normally worn in a concealed position below the upper edges of shoes.

Brief foot coverings have been worn in place of conventional short socks and have also been utilized to protect fragile stockings during normal wear.

Various difliculties have been encountered in the wearing of brief foot coverings. The most usual difliculty being a tendency of the heel portion of the brief foot coverings to become displaced and cause discomfort of the wearer. Another difficulty experienced by wearers of brief foot coverings is a tendency toward poor ventilation about the wearers feet and consequent tendency toward excessive perspiration thereof. Additionally, it has been apparent that brief foot coverings having full bottom portions therein tend to pull downwardly on the heel of the wearer due to tension created in the bottom of the foot covering when the foot is raised at the heel while rolling on the ball of the foot during normal walking motions. Further, it has been diflicult to construct brief foot coverings having properly stressed side strips which will maintain an intimately fitted relationship of the toe and heel portions of the foot covering relative to the foot of the wearer.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a novel foot covering which is brief yet structurally capable of maintaining intimate fitted relation with the foot of a person during all moving conditions of the foot.

Another object of the invention is to provide a brief foot covering which is provided with an opening below the instep of the wearer in order to provide proper ventilation for the wearers foot.

Another object of the invention is to provide a brief foot covering which is provided with an opening below the instep of a wearers foot and which is provided with twisted side strip portions which interconnect the toe and heel covering portions whereby the twisted portion concurrently creates tension of material at the upper and lower portions of the wearers heel.

Another object of the invention is to provide a brief foot covering having twisted side strip portions which automatically compensate for angular movements of the heel portion of a persons foot relative to the ball thereof in order to prevent the tendency of the heel covering portion from sliding or being displaced relative to the wearers heel.

Another object of the invention is to provide a foot covering having an opening below the instep of the wearers foot and twisted side strips which interconnect toe and heel portions of the foot covering whereby the side strips maintain even tension of the heel covering portion; and the opening in the bottom of the foot covering prevents tension from being exerted along the bottom of the wearers foot when the heel is raised and the wearer rolls on the ball of his foot.

Another object of the invention is to provide afoot shape about the heel of the wearer.

2 covering having an opening in the bottom thereof and twisted side strips which interconnect toe and heel portions of the foot covering whereby the side strips create tension relative to said toe and heel portions and thereby prevent lateral displacement of the foot covering relative to the wearers foot.

Another object of the invention is to provide a brief foot covering which is particularly adapted to be worn in low cut shoes.

Further objects and advantage of the invention will be apparent from the following specification, appended claims and accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a side view of a flat blank of flexible material from which the foot covering of the present invention is constructed.

Fig. 2 is a top or plan view of the foot covering of the present invention seamed together.

Fig. 3 is a side elevational view thereof showing by arrows the direction which is required to move the tab portion of the covering upwardly to form the heel portion of the covering and to twist the side strips thereof.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken from the line 44 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view taken from the line 5-5 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a side elevational view of the foot covering of the present invention shown upon enlarged scale and disposed on a persons foot which is illustratedby broken lines.

Fig. 7 is a top or plan view of the foot covering as shown in Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary sectional View taken from the line 8-8 of Fig. 6 and;

Fig. 9 is a side elevational view of a flat blank made of flexible material; the blank being a modification of that shown in Fig. l of the drawing.

The blank of flexible material shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings is provided with a pair of curved portions 10 and 12 which when sewed together form a toe covering portion of the present foot covering. These portions 10 and 12 meet at the center 14 of the blank and are tangent with side edges 16 and 18, respectively, thereof.

The edges 16 and 18 extend from the portions 10 and 12 to angularly disposed edge portions 20 and 22, respectively. These edge portions 20 and 22 extend outwardly from the edge portions 16 and 18, respectively, and are disposed at substantially right angles to edges 24 and 26, respectively, which form bottom elements for the heel covering portion of the foot covering as will be hereinafter described in detail.

At the rearward portion of the blank are curved edges 28 and 30 which extend inwardly from the edges 22 and 24, respectively. These edges 28 and 30 at corner transitions 32 and 34 are connected with the straight edges 24 and 26, respectively. The opposite ends of the curved portions 28 and 30 extend to notch transitions 34 and 36, respectively, which are inwardly of the edges 24 and 26 all as shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings.

Extending rearwardly from the transitions 34 and 36 are curved edges 38 and 40 which form seam edges adapted to retain the heel covering portion in a curved The curved edges 38 and 40 meet at anotch transition 42 at the middle of the blank and substantially aligned w'th the middle 14 hereinbefore recited.

In the bottom of the blank is a substantially V shaped cut out tab 44 having an apex portion 46 at one end and kbeing integral with the normally rear end of the blan The cut out tab 44 is between edges 48 and 50 which form the opposite edges of material about an opening. which is left when the tab 44 is cut out and displaced relative to the body of the blank. The tab 44 is thus provided with edges 52 and 54 which are adjacent the edges 48 and 50 at opposite sides of the opening when the tab is in fiat position as shown in Fig. l of the drawings. It will be seen that the opening formed by the opposite edges 48 and 50 terminates at its forward portion at an apex 56.

As shown in Fig. 2 of the drawings the blank is sewed up into a foot covering which is made of two layers the shape of the blank as shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings. The two layers are superimposed upon each other and stitched together as will be hereinafter described in detail. It will be seen that the curved edges 10 and 12 are seamed together to form the toe covering portion of the foot covering of the present invention.

The edges 16 and 18 are provided with a seam which also extends along the edges 20 and 22 to outline an opening. The seam along the edges 16 and 18, 20' and 22 is utilized for reinforcement purposes and may, if desired, enclose an elastic member or the like.

It will be understood that the material, of which the foot covering is made may be any suitable fabric or flexible material or it may be resilient material if desired. Thus, the seam around the edges 16, 18, 20 and 22 may be made in accordance with the material of which the foot covering is constructed or the seams at the edges 16, 18, 20 and 22 may be substituted for by knitting a reinforced edge in the event it is desired to knit the foot covering of the present invention rather than to make it of a blank as shown in Fig. 1 of the drawing.

In Fig. 2 it will be seen that the edges 24 and 26 are stitched together and the edges 28 and 38 are stitched together. The edge portions 30 and 40 are also stitched together.

It will be seen that the edge portion 28' extends about the edge portion 38 to a location as indicated by a broken line 58 while the edge portion 30 extends around the edge 40 to a location indicated by a broken line 60 and that the remaining portions of the edges 38 and 40 are sewed together so that the locations of the broken lines 58 and 60 meet the corners 32 and 34, respectively. While the seams at the edges 38 and 40 and the edges 28 and 30, as shown in Fig. 2, appear to be straight the curvature of these edges in blank form provides a stitched up structure which is substantially spherical so that it will fit the heel of a persons foot. As shown in Fig. 2 of the drawings the edges 48 and 50 at opposite sides of the bottom opening in the foot covering are provided with stitches or seams to reinforce these edges. Such edges may be reinforced in any other suitable manner as desired, whether it be by knitting or the inclusion of an elastic member.

As hereinbefore described, the present foot covering is made of two layers of material and these layers can be different colors so that the foot covering of the present invention may be reversed as desired in order to present different colors as will be hereinafter described in detail.

Attention is directed to Fig. 4 of the drawings which discloses the double layered construction of the present foot covering wherein the tab 44 is provided with inwardly folded seams 62 and 64 at the opposite edges 52 and 54 thereof. Fig. 4 also discloses the reinforcing stitching at the edges 16, 18, 48 and 50.

As shown in Fig. of the drawings a seam 66 connects edges and 12 of the blanks and these seams are folded inwardly so that the foot covering may be reversed to present one color of a layer 68 and another color of a layer 78, both of these layers being of a blank form as shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings. The foot covering when sewed up as shown in Fig. 2 of the drawings is therefor reversible by turning the same inside out.

As shown in Fig. 3 of the drawings the foot covering when sewed up may be disposed to fit the foot of the wearer by pulling the tab 44 downwardly and moving it rearwardly and upwardly so that side strips 72 and 74 of the foot covering may be folded and twisted into the shape as shown in Fig. 6 of the drawings wherein the tab 44 extends upwardly and forms a footwear heel at the back of the heel of a wearers foot.

It will be seen that the side strip 72 is disposed between the edges 16 and 48 while the side strip 74 is disposed between the edges 18 and 50. When the tab 44 is moved in the direction of the arrows in Fig. 3 of the drawings to a position as'shown in Fig. 6 of the drawings the side strips are twisted and folded so that the edges 18 and 50 are crossed. In this position the edge 50 interconnects the lower portion of a toe covering portion 76 and the upper edge of a heel covering portion 78 of the present foot covering-.-

Further, it will be seen that the edge 18 interconnects a lower portion of the heel covering portion 78 with the upper portion of the toe covering portion 76. The side strip 72 is disposed in a twisted position wherein one of-its edges 48 interconnects the lower or sole portion of the toe covering portion 76 and the upper portion of the heel covering portion 78. Its opposite edge 16 interconnects the lower or sole portion of the heel covering portion 78 and the upper portions of the toe covering portion 76.

As shown in Fig. 6 of the drawings an arrow B indicates the direction of tension applied to the heel covering. portion 78 by the seamed edge 50 while an arrow C indicates the direction of tension applied to the heel covering. portion 78 by the seamed edge 18. Tension applied by the seamed edge 50 is aligned with the upper portion of the persons heel and the ball of the foot while tension applied by the seamed edge 18 is aligned with the upper portion of the persons toes and the lower portion of a persons heel whereby the cup shaped footwear heel portion at the rear of the present foot covering is maintained in intimate engaged relation with a persons heel all as shown in Fig. 6 of the drawings. I p

This direction of tension as applied by the seamed edge 18 prevents the heel covering portion 78 from climbing upwardly on a persons heel while tension applied by the seamed edge 50 in the direction of the arrow B prevents the heel covering portion from sliding downwardly on apersons heel since the tension is applied above the rearwardly extending substantially spheroid portion of the heel.

The twisted side strips 72 and 74 are thus disposed to maintain proper tension about the arcuate portion of a persons heel so that the present foot covering does not move upwardly or downwardly on the heel and therefore remains in proper position thereon.

It will be noted that when the person walks and rolls upon the ball D of the foot the heel is normally raised and this action reduces tension alongthe seamed edges 16 and 18 while it increases tension along the seamed edges 48 and 50 thus-when the person raises the heel and rolls on the ball ofthe foot D tension is concentrated on the upper portion of the heel which prevents the heel covering portion 78-from sliding downwardly on the-heel. Further, due to the fact that there is an opening between the edges 48 and 50 there is no material in the bottom of the present foot covering'which exerts tension on the heel covering portion 78 when the heel is raised and when the person rolls on the ball D of the foot. It will be appreciated that this combination of structure not only tends to relieve tension inthe bottom of the foot covering but applies tension at the proper angular dispositions in connection with the side strips 72' and 74 in order to attain snug intimate fittingof the heel covering portion during all walking motions.

The opening-in the bottom of the present foot covering provides for ventilation and thereby reduces a tendency toward perspiration ofa persons foot.

Further, it will be understood that the twisted side strips 72 and 74 due to their stressed condition in connection with the heel coveringport'idri 78', prevent lateral displace ment of. the toe covering portion 76 and thus prevent it from twisting around the forward portion or toes of a persons foot. For example, if the forward or toe covering portion 76 tends to move toward the right side of the foot as shown in Fig. 7 tension in the seamed edge 18 will be increased thereby preventing the upper side of the toe covering portion 76 from moving across the upper portion of the wearers toes. Likewise, should there be a tendency of the toe covering portion 76 to move toward the left side of the foot and across the upper portion of the wearers foot tension in the seamed edge 16 will be increased thereby resisting the tendency of the upper portion of the toe covering portion to shift toward the left. It will be appreciated that the entire toe covering portion will be placed in tension by increased tension of either of the seamed edges 16 and 18 depending upon any tendency of the toe covering portion to move laterally in either direction or to rotate about the forward portion of the wearers foot. 7

The modification as shown in Fig. 9 includes a foot covering very similar to the one previously described in connection with Figs. 1 to 8 of the drawings however, a blank 80 of the modification is provided with a separate heel forming blank 82 provided with edges 84 and 86 which are continuations of the edges 20 and 22 and these edges extend into the blank to meet the cutout edges 48 and 50 respectively so that the heel covering portion 78 of the foot covering may be made of different materials or may be made of two layers in place of one. This construction permits the heel to be made of two pieces of material while the forward portion of the foot covering may be made of a single layer of material. Further, this construction permits the display of varying colors when both toe and heel covering portions are made of different materials.

It will also be understood that the present foot covering may be made of a single layer of material if desired.

It will be understood that the foot covering of the present invention may be made of various materials so that it can be used as an abbreviated sock or as a slipper or the like.

Further, it will be understood that the tab 44 may be shortened or partially omitted to provide a conventional elevation of the upper rear portion of the foot covering if desired.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications of the present invention may be resorted to in a manner limited only by a just interpretation of the following claims.

I claim:

1. In a foot covering the combination of: a flexible toe covering portion; a flexible heel covering portion; and a pair of relatively narrow side strips interconnecting corresponding sides of said toe and heel covering portions, said foot covering when on a foot and being worn, having an opening in the sole thereof intermediate said toe and heel covering portions and between said side strips, said side strips each having a pair of opposite edges, one of said edges of each strip interconnecting the top of said toe covering portion and the sole of said heel covering portion, the other of said edges of each strip interconnecting the sole of said toe covering portion and the top of said heel covering portion.

2. In a foot covering the combination of: a flexible toe covering portion; a flexible cup shaped heel covering portion, and a pair of side strips interconnecting corresponding sides of said toe and heel covering portions, said foot covering having an opening in the sole thereof intermediate said toe and heel covering portions and between said side strips, said side strips each having opposite edges, one of said edges of each strip interconnecting the top of said toe covering portion and the sole of said heel covering portion, the other of said edges of each strip interconnecting the sole of said toe covering portion and the top of said heel covering portion, a portion of the upper part of said heel covering portion being formed of material folded away from said sole to form said opening.

3. In a foot covering the combination of: a flexible toe covering portion; a flexible heel covering portion, and a pair of side strips interconnecting corresponding sides of said toe and heel covering portions, said foot covering having an opening in the sole thereof intermediate said toe and heel covering portions and between said side strips, said side strips each having opposite edges, one of said edges of each strip interconnecting the top of said toe covering portion and the sole of said heel covering portion, the other of said edges of each strip interconnecting the sole of said toe covering portion and the top of said heel covering portion, a portion of the upper part of said heel covering portion being formed of material folded away from said sole to form said opening, said toe and heel covering portions, as well as said side strips being made of two layers of material of contrasting colors thereby permitting diiferent colors to be displayed on the outer side of said foot covering at said tab when the foot covering is reversed by turning it inside out.

4. In a foot covering the combination of: a flexible toe covering portion; a flexible heel covering portion, and a pair of side strips interconnecting corresponding sides of said toe and heel covering portions, said foot covering having an opening in the sole thereof intermediate said toe and heel covering portions and between said side strips, said side strips each having opposite edges, one of said edges of each strip interconnecting the top of said toe covering portion and thesole of said heel covering portion, the other of said edges of each strip interconnecting the sole of said toe covering portion and the top of said heel covering portion, a portion of the upper part of said heel covering portion being formed of material folded away from said sole to form said opening; and a tab integral with said heel covering portion at the rear end of said opening.

5. In a foot covering the combination of: a flexible toe covering portion; a flexible heel covering portion, and a pair of side strips interconnecting corresponding sides of said toe and heel covering portions, said foot covering having an opening in the sole thereof intermediate said toe and heel covering portions and between said side strips, said side strips each having opposite edges, one of said edges of each strip interconnecting the top of said toe covering portion and the sole of said heel covering portion, the other of said edges of each strip interconnecting the sole of said toe covering portion and thetop of said heel covering portion, a portion of the upper part of said heel covering portion being formed of material folded away from said sole to form said opening; and a tab integral with said heel covering portion at the rear end of said opening, said opening substantially V shaped and having an apex at its forward portion.

6. In a foot covering the combination of: a flexible toe covering portion; a flexible heel covering portion; and a pair of relatively narrow side strips interconnecting corresponding sides of said toe and heel covering portions; said foot covering when on a foot and being worn having an opening in the sole thereof intermediate said toe and heel covering portions and between said side strips, said side strips each being individually twisted and folded intermediate said toe and heel covering portions, each of said side strips having a first edge which interconnects the top of said toe covering portion and the sole of said heel covering portion, each of said strips having a second edge which interconnects the sole of said toe covering portion and the top of said heel covering portion.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,486,886 Saukkonen Nov. 1, 1949 FOREIGN PATENTS 275,922 Great Britain Aug. 18, 1927 376,995 Germany June 8, 1923 

